Too much time sitting is linked to health risks, and also to lower quality of life. But in some contexts, such as reading, playing an instrument or socializing, sitting had positive associations.
Many parents install apps onto their kids’ phone to restrict their online activity, especially if it may be dangerous. But a lot of personal data requested by the apps is sold to third parties.
Too much screen time doesn’t leave enough time for other important parts of growing up. Predicting which little kids will likely grow into heavy tech users could help target educational campaigns.
Lisa Mundy, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and George Patton, The University of Melbourne
Children who ‘passively’ use screens are more likely to suffer academically, a study found. But there was no evidence of a link between video games and academic performance.
One big complication with K-12 distance learning is how hard it is to get children and teens to log in and do their schoolwork. But there are things teachers and families can do to help.
It’s more important than ever for families to develop new routines for staying physically and mentally healthy – and to address the part screens play in our lives.
Yalda T. Uhls, University of California, Los Angeles
Understanding others’ emotions is a crucial social skill. Counter to concerns about screen time stunting kids’ development, one study suggests they’re getting better at recognizing emotion on screen.
With online learning and social distancing, kids are spending more time staring at screens and less time outdoors. That can put them at higher risk of myopia and serious eye problems in the future.
A study asked 2,000 teachers and school leaders across Australia how students from primary school to year 12 have changed in the last five years, and what might explain these changes.
As the pandemic moves us indoors, it’s time to reconsider our understanding of ‘screen time’ – especially since we’re relying on our devices now more than ever.
Screen “time” gets all the airplay, but with families confined to home – screen quality and screen buddies – are just as important, if not more, for healthy technology use.
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Assistant professor, School of Psychology, Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa